Cherry pie fans know summer in Michigan is something special. Every summer, towns across Michigan put cherries at the center of their biggest celebrations. I spent a season exploring the best festivals, local pie shops, and quirky roadside spots, always chasing the next perfect slice.
From Traverse City’s legendary week-long bash to small fairs and family orchards, Michigan’s approach feels both heartfelt and delicious. Some events are massive, others are tucked away, only found by those willing to wander the byways.
Whether you love crowded parades or prefer a quiet picnic under a cherry tree, you’ll find your flavor here. After tasting my way through pies with buttery crusts and fillings that burst with local fruit, I picked out ten essential stops.
Each offers its own take on Michigan cherry pie, and every one is worth the drive. Here’s what you need to know before planning your own cherry quest across this beautiful state.
1. The National Cherry Festival, Traverse City
If you judge a festival by the strength of its traditions, Traverse City’s National Cherry Festival stands tall. Every summer, this vibrant event draws nearly half a million people to Michigan’s northwest corner. For me, timing my visit with the festival week was a must, and every slice of pie felt like a reward.
Festival days overflow with pie-eating contests, orchard tours, and local bakers showing off their flakiest pastry. I wandered between vendors, sampling everything from classic tart cherry pies to inventive spins topped with billowy meringue. The city center buzzes with activity, from an air show overhead to a parade that winds through the heart of town.
Expect the energy to run high, especially on weekends. Book your stay well ahead, since Traverse City fills up quickly. There’s something about the combination of lake breezes, fresh cherries, and generations-old recipes that makes this festival a true Michigan essential.
2. The Cherry Hut, Beulah
You can’t talk Michigan cherry pie without mentioning The Cherry Hut in Beulah. This old-school stop has been dishing out pies since the 1920s, and the red-and-white building is a beacon for pie hunters. On my lakeshore road trip, I made a specific detour just to sit at their checkered tables and try a slice.
Their cherry pie comes plain or a la mode, the crust golden and just sturdy enough to hold up under a scoop of vanilla ice cream. I tasted house-made cherry jam and washed it down with tart cherry juice. The staff chat about the harvest as if discussing family news, and the vibe feels timeless.
Open only in the summer, The Cherry Hut stays true to local tradition. If you love a no-frills slice that highlights Michigan’s fruit, this spot captures the unpretentious heart of the state’s cherry culture.
3. Grand Traverse Pie Company, Traverse City
Grand Traverse Pie Company feels more like a cherry pie embassy than a simple bakery. Their flagship store in Traverse City sits just blocks from the bay, and the aroma of baking fruit greets you at the door. I dropped by on a weekday morning, hoping to beat the lunch crowd.
The menu features Michigan-grown Montmorency cherries, and every pie I tried had that signature sweet-tart balance. Their ‘Pure Michigan Fruits of Summer’ pie mixes cherries and blueberries, and it’s somehow both comforting and refreshing. The staff recommended the cherry crumb, and it quickly became my favorite.
What sets Grand Traverse Pie Company apart is their community spirit. Pies are available by the slice or whole, and you’ll see locals picking up treats for family gatherings. It’s a place where newcomers and regulars share the same appreciation for Michigan’s cherry bounty.
4. Busch’s Cherryfest, Ann Arbor
Busch’s Cherryfest in Ann Arbor offers a different take on the cherry celebration. Held each July at Busch’s Fresh Food Market, this event puts Michigan cherries in the spotlight, and focus is on pies, preserves, and sweets. I stopped in on a weekday afternoon, and the bakery counter was stacked high.
Achatz pies, a Michigan staple, anchor the lineup. I tasted a classic cherry pie with a beautifully latticed crust and just enough tartness to keep things interesting. Employees encouraged samples, and the store carried cherry-themed sweets beyond the usual.
Unlike the big festivals, Cherryfest feels relaxed, more about community than spectacle. It’s a great stop if you’re in southeast Michigan and want a taste of the state’s best without the crowds.
5. King Orchards, Central Lake
For those who love their cherry pie with a side of adventure, King Orchards in Central Lake delivers. Their U-pick days invite visitors to wander rows of cherry trees, baskets in hand. I arrived just before noon, ready to pick fruit and see what the bakery had on offer.
The farmstand’s cherry pie is as fresh as it gets, made with fruit picked onsite, the filling tangy and bright. Staff offered pie samples alongside cherry turnovers and juice slushies. There’s a family-run warmth to everything, and visiting felt like being welcomed to a backyard gathering.
Besides pie, King Orchards sells jams and dried cherries. If you like your dessert with a bit of rural charm, this spot captures the Michigan orchard experience perfectly.
6. Northport’s Annual Dog Parade & Cherry Pie Social
Northport’s Annual Dog Parade isn’t your typical pie stop, but that’s what makes it memorable. Each July, this tiny town on the Leelanau Peninsula hosts a dog parade followed by a cherry pie social. I ended up there on a whim, drawn in by the sound of laughter and barking.
After the parade, locals serve up homemade pies at picnic tables lined along the main street. Costumed dogs mingle with their families, and pie slices disappear quickly. The whole afternoon feels lighthearted, like a summer block party where everyone belongs.
If you want your cherry pie with a side of small-town quirkiness, Northport delivers. This event proves that in Michigan, pie is as much about bringing people together as it is about dessert.
7. Friske Farm Market, Ellsworth
Friske Farm Market in Ellsworth is a favorite stop for both locals and travelers. The market’s big red barn stands out along US-31, and the scent of baking fruit draws you in. On my visit, the bakery shelves overflowed with cherry pies, turnovers, and muffins.
Visitors can enjoy slices inside or take pies to go for lakeside picnics. I found their tart cherry pie to be perfectly balanced, with a crisp, buttery crust. Farm staff shared stories about the orchard and let kids peek into the bakery kitchen.
Friske’s also offers U-pick cherries when in season, making it easy to pair dessert with a fruit-picking adventure. If you’re driving northern Michigan’s highways, this market is a must-stop for pie lovers.
8. Smaller Orchard Festivals & U-Pick Pie Days, Leelanau & Grand Traverse
Some of my best cherry pie memories come from the little festivals and farm stops outside the big cities. In Leelanau and Grand Traverse counties, orchards host U-pick days and pie sampling events that welcome everyone. I found myself pulling over for roadside signs advertising fresh pie, and those impromptu stops brought some of the warmest moments.
Unlike the larger festivals, these gatherings move at a gentler pace. Orchard owners offer slices under tents, and sometimes you can watch pies being pulled from the oven. There’s room to ask questions, meet growers, and savor dessert without rush.
If you want a genuine taste of Michigan’s cherry culture, follow a rural road and see where it leads. These small events often turn into the highlight of a summer trip. Check local listings for exact dates, as they vary each year.
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